Human rights groups in Mombasa have backed calls by leaders from Lamu County for the immediate lifting of the seven-year-old night curfew following a recent court order directing its suspension.
The activists and leaders have demanded the immediate implementation of the court order and the restoration of unrestricted movement within Lamu County.
The order was issued on May 21, 2026, by Justice Jesse Nyagah of the Garsen High Court. The conservatory orders suspended the enforcement of the Public Order (Curfew) (Lamu, Garissa and Tana River Counties) Order, 2017, pending the hearing and determination of the petition challenging the legality of the curfew.
The Lamu curfew was first imposed in July 2017 following security concerns linked to terrorism and criminal activities in the Boni Forest region.
However, residents and civil society organisations have repeatedly argued that the restrictions have overstayed and unfairly punished ordinary citizens for nearly nine years.
The renewed demands come amid ongoing protests at the Minjila area along the Mombasa–Lamu Road near the Lamu–Tana River border, where dozens of trucks, buses and private vehicles remain stranded as police officers continue enforcing the night curfew despite the court ruling issued on May 21, 2026.
Residents, transport operators and business owners have expressed frustration over the continued roadblocks and vehicle inspections during night hours, saying the restrictions have greatly affected transport and business activities within the region.
Travellers heading to Lamu and neighbouring counties complained of delays and increased insecurity caused by prolonged stoppages along the highway.
Some transporters accused security officers of ignoring the court directive and subjecting passengers to unnecessary harassment.
According to the Kenya Police Service, the increased roadblocks and continued enforcement of the night curfew are due to persistent bandit attacks linked to criminal groups operating from the Boni Forest along the Mombasa–Lamu highway.
Security officers maintain that the restrictions are necessary to protect residents and travellers from bandit attacks and ambushes that have been previously reported in the area.
However, human rights activists and community leaders have strongly criticized the move, arguing that innocent residents are suffering despite the court’s decision.
According to Lamu County community leader Sultan Sharrif, he claimed that the roadblocks and night curfews are politically influenced and accused police officers of harassing residents instead of protecting them.
“The Kenyan government is denying the Lamu community freedom of movement. That is not security; it is oppression,” said Sharrif.
He further urged the government to respect the court ruling and restore normal movement along the highway to allow residents and traders to continue with their daily activities without fear or intimidation.
Muslim Human Rights Organisation (MUHURI) Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma also assured residents that human rights groups would continue pushing for free movement within Lamu County until the curfew and roadblocks are fully suspended.
He said the continued enforcement of the curfew was a violation of constitutional rights and warned that the organization would pursue further legal action if the orders of the court continue to be ignored.
Meanwhile, the Lamu President for the Youth Assembly, Nahid Kasim, expressed disappointment with the conduct of police officers along the road.
Kasim accused some officers of harassing civilians and called on the government to reduce the number of roadblocks to minimize delays, night insecurity and time wastage for travellers and traders.
“If the bandits are in Boni Forest, why are civilians in Lamu being harassed on the roads?,” she posed.
by Lillian Kasyoka and Joshua Peter
